China, An Opportunity Missed.©

 

    China's post-1978 "Reform and Opening Up" era presented a unique historical juncture, a chance to redefine global leadership. Unlike the expansionist models of past global powers, characterized by colonialism and resource exploitation, China's rise was predicated on trade and economic integration. This presented a profound opportunity to forge a new paradigm of international relations, one rooted in mutual benefit and collaborative progress. I was excited and perhaps, still a little optimistic.

The expectation was that China, with its unprecedented economic ascent, could have transcended the traditional power dynamics that had historically fueled conflict and inequality. It could have leveraged its economic might to champion a more equitable global order, prioritizing sustainable development, multilateral cooperation, and the well-being of all nations. This envisioned leadership would have entailed a commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth, promoting environmental stewardship, and advocating for a rules-based international system that prioritized diplomacy and fair and peaceful conflict resolution.

However, the reality has diverged from this admittedly, idealistic vision. While China's economic contributions are undeniable, its foreign policy has, at times, been perceived as exhibiting characteristics reminiscent of traditional power politics. Concerns regarding its assertiveness in the South China Sea, the terms of its Belt and Road Initiative, and its approach to international trade have led to questions about its commitment to a truly collaborative global leadership model.

The "missed opportunity" I suggest, lies in the perception that China could have leveraged its unique historical context to become a truly caring and a mindful global leader. It could have become a force for positive change, demonstrating that economic power could be wielded in a way that prioritizes the collective good over narrow national interests. This alternative path would have required a fundamental departure from the historical and ongoing norms of global power, a willingness to prioritize multilateralism, and a commitment to fostering a more just and sustainable world order. The question whether China will ultimately embrace this potential, or if it will follow a path more aligned with the established patterns of global power dynamics has already been answered. It failed miserably becoming just another greedy bully, seeking power through heavy-handed arm-twisting. They are no different than their western counterparts.

China’s global expansion under President Xi Jinping has been marked by strategic economic initiatives that extend the nation’s influence under the guise of business partnerships. It is nothing short of modern colonialization with a different flavor. Central to this approach is the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a colossal infrastructure and investment project spanning numerous countries. While presented as mutually beneficial, the BRI has raised concerns about ‘debt-trap diplomacy’, where the nations become heavily indebted to China, leading to significant economic and political leverage for Beijing.

Before I discuss its debt-trap diplomacy, let us take a deeper dive into the Chinese peoples.

The Chinese People and the Impacts 

China's post-1978 "Reform and Opening Up" era marked a pivotal turning point in modern history. Under the leadership of Deng Xiaoping, the country embarked on a path of sweeping economic liberalization and modernization, resulting in unprecedented economic growth and transformation. However, this period also brought with it profound societal and political changes that deeply affected its people - both positively and negatively.

Tiananmen Square Protests and the Fight for Political Freedoms

The economic reforms of the 1980s raised aspirations among many Chinese citizens, particularly the youth, who began to call for greater political freedoms and democratic reforms. The Tiananmen Square protests of 1989 were a stark manifestation of these demands. Students, intellectuals, and ordinary citizens, some of whom were later my students, gathered in Beijing's Tiananmen Square to demand democracy, freedom of speech, and an end to corruption. The movement, initially peaceful, culminated in a tragic crackdown on June 4, 1989, when the Chinese government deployed military forces, resulting in hundreds, if not thousands, of deaths. This event not only marked a turning point in China's political history but also left an indelible scar on its national psyche. The repression served as a grim reminder of the limits of political liberalization under a regime primarily focused on maintaining its grip on power. 

Falun Gong: Religious Suppression and Human Rights Violations

Another significant episode in post-reform China has been the suppression of the Falun Gong movement. Emerging in the 1990s, Falun Gong combined traditional Chinese qigong practices with spiritual teachings, rapidly gaining a large following. However, its popularity and organizational independence were seen as threats by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). In 1999, the government declared Falun Gong a "heretical cult," initiating a campaign of persecution. Practitioners were arrested, detained in labor camps, subjected to torture, and even forced organ harvesting, according to some human rights organizations. This crackdown underscores the CCP's intolerance toward any group it perceives as challenging its authority.

Religious and Ethnic Minorities: Uyghurs, Christians, and Others

Religious expression has faced continuous challenges in China's quest for control. In recent years, the plight of the Uyghur Muslim population in the Xinjiang region has drawn international condemnation. Reports of mass detentions, forced re-education camps, surveillance, and cultural erasure have highlighted the severe repression faced by this ethnic minority. Similarly, Christians, Tibetan Buddhists, and other religious groups have faced restrictions, with churches demolished and religious texts censored. These actions reflect the CCP's policy of aligning religion with state ideology and its broader efforts to maintain ideological control. As you can see, their actions were not that far different from western nations. 

Urbanization and the Rural-Urban Divide 

The economic reforms accelerated urbanization at an unprecedented pace, transforming cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Shenzhen into global hubs of commerce and innovation. However, this rapid urban development came at a cost. Rural areas were often left behind, exacerbating income disparities and social inequality. Migrant workers from rural regions flocked to cities in search of better opportunities but faced harsh working conditions, low wages, and limited access to healthcare, education, and social services. The "hukou" household registration system further entrenched this divide by restricting migrants' access to urban benefits.

Environmental and Social Costs of Economic Growth

While the reforms lifted millions out of poverty, they also introduced significant environmental challenges. Rapid industrialization led to severe air and water pollution, deforestation, and land degradation, affecting the health and livelihoods of countless citizens. Additionally, the breakneck pace of economic growth created a society increasingly marked by materialism, consumerism, and social inequality, posing new challenges to social cohesion.

Hong Kong: From Autonomy to Protest

The 1997 transfer of Hong Kong from British to Chinese sovereignty under the "one country, two systems" framework promised the region a high degree of autonomy for 50 years. However, Beijing's increasing interference in Hong Kong's political and legal systems has eroded these freedoms, culminating in the 2019 protests against an extradition bill and the subsequent imposition of the 2020 national security law. This law has effectively stifled dissent, leading to the arrest of activists, journalists, and opposition figures. For many Hong Kong residents, this represents a betrayal of the promises made during the handover.

The Human Toll of Reform

China's "Reform and Opening Up" era has undoubtedly transformed the nation, turning it into a global economic powerhouse. Yet, the human cost of this transformation has been immense. The suppression of dissent, the persecution of religious and ethnic minorities, and the rural-urban divide are just a few examples of the challenges faced by ordinary Chinese citizens. While many have benefited from improved living standards and opportunities, others continue to grapple with the social, political, and environmental consequences of these dramatic changes.

Legacy and Continuing Challenges 

As China continues to rise on the global stage, its people remain at the heart of its complex story. The reforms have unleashed extraordinary potential but have also exposed deep divisions and challenges within the country. The legacy of this era is one of both triumph and tragedy, reflecting the intricate interplay between progress and its price.

The "Reform and Opening Up" era is a testament to China's ability to adapt and evolve, but it also serves as a cautionary tale of the costs of rapid change. How China addresses these ongoing challenges will shape not only its future but also its role in the global community.

Debt-Trap Diplomacy:

Mechanisms and Implications.

China’s strategy involves providing substantial loans to developing countries for infrastructure projects. These loans often come with high-interest rates and opaque terms, making payment challenging for the borrowing nations. When countries struggle to meet their debt obligations, China has been known to leverage this situation to secure strategic assets or heavily influence policy decisions.

A prominent example is Sri Lanka’s Hambantota Port. In 2010, Sri Lanka secured a $1.5 billion loan from China to construct the port. By 2017, unable to pay to service the debt, Sri Lanka was forced to agree to a debt-for-equity swap, granting China a 70% stake in the port on a 99-year lease. This transaction provided China with a strategic foothold in the Indian Ocean, raising concerns about sovereignty and regional security.

Exploring Political and Economic Vulnerabilities.

Chine often identifies and exploits the internal vulnerabilities of target countries many of whom have a higher level of government corruption. In Pakistan, for instance, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) involves projects worth nearly $60 billion. While these initiatives promise economic development, they have significantly increased Pakistan’s debt burden with Chinese loans constituting about 30% of its foreign debt. This financial dependency grants China considerable sway over Pakistan’s economic and foreign policies.

Corruption and Lack of Transparency 

Concerns about corruption and transparency further complicate China’s overseas ventures. In the European Union, Belgian authorities investigated Huawei lobbyists and parliamentary assistants for allegedly offering bribes to promote Huawei’s interests within the European Parliament. The case underscores the potential for Chinese entities to engage in corrupt practices to achieve strategic objectives. As I write this article, the US congress is investigating a gross error committed by its upper-echelons in the nation’s security in divulging its secrecy where a text messaging app had an invitee, a 'journalist' with ties to China. The matter called SignalGate is being currently investigated by Congress. 

Global Responses and Repercussions.

The international community is increasingly wary of China’s methods. In 2017, Malaysia cancelled a $20 billion railway project funded by China due to debt concerns. Similarly, Myanmar scaled back plans for a Chinese-backed port, fearing unsustainable debt levels. These actions reflect a growing recognition of the risks associated with China’s strangling economic engagements. 

A Clear and Present Danger

China's interference in the political and electoral processes of other nations has become a topic of significant global concern. Over the years, evidence has emerged suggesting that China employs a variety of methods to influence political outcomes and sway public opinion in its favor. These activities are not limited to one region but span across continents, targeting both democratic and non-democratic nations.

One of the primary tools in China's arsenal is the use of economic leverage. By investing heavily in infrastructure projects or providing financial aid, China often gains significant influence over the political decisions of recipient countries. This strategy, sometimes referred to as "debt-trap diplomacy," as mentioned earlier has been observed in several nations participating in China's Belt and Road Initiative.

In democratic nations, China's interference often takes the form of disinformation campaigns, cyberattacks, and financial contributions to political candidates or parties that align with Beijing's interests. For instance, in Canada, allegations have surfaced about Chinese operatives funneling money to certain federal candidates to sway election outcomes. Similarly, in the United States, reports indicate that China has engaged in propaganda efforts and disinformation campaigns to influence voter perceptions.

Another method involves targeting diaspora communities. By exerting pressure on overseas Chinese populations, Beijing seeks to suppress dissent and promote narratives favorable to the Chinese Communist Party. I can attest to this tactic where several Chinese students were fearful of other 'communist' Chinese students. They shared the reason with me in confidence. This tactic not only affects the political landscape of host countries but also creates divisions within communities. 

Taiwan remains one of the most significant targets of Chinese interference. Beijing has consistently sought to undermine Taiwan's democratic processes through threats, disinformation, and economic coercion. The goal is to delegitimize Taiwan's government and push for reunification under China's terms.

While the extent of China's interference varies by country, the overarching objective remains consistent: to expand its influence and reshape global norms in alignment with its strategic interests. As nations grapple with these challenges, there is a growing call for international cooperation to safeguard democratic institutions and ensure transparency in political processes.

This issue underscores the importance of vigilance and resilience in the face of foreign interference. By understanding the methods employed and their implications, nations can better prepare to defend their sovereignty and uphold democratic values.

Conclusion

Under President Xi, China’s approach to expanding its global influence through oppressive economic means has led to significant geopolitical shifts. By extending substantial loans to mainly corrupt countries and engaging in large scale infrastructure projects, China has positioned itself as an indispensable partner (cancer) to many developing nations. However, the accompanying debt burdens and the instances of corruption have prompted critical scrutiny and resistance. As countries reassess their engagements with China, it remains imperative to balance the pursuit of economic development with the preservation of sovereignty and financial stability. China’s behavior is nothing short of the mafia and loan sharks. As we proceed, countries such as Canada drawn into the midst of an election are discovering China’s influence in determining the results. The same is true in most countries where the Chinese knowingly or secretively get involved. I have not discussed the African countries many of whom are already mired into the Chinese debt crisis, 

The Gentile!

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